Abstract
Due to geologic processes and recent anthropogenic introductions, patterns of genetic and morphological diversity within the Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), which are endemic to the central and eastern United States (USA), are poorly understood. We assessed genetic and morphological differentiation between the widespread Northern Smallmouth Bass (M. d. dolomieu) and the more restricted Neosho Smallmouth Bass (M. d. velox) where their ranges meet in the Central Interior Highlands ecoregion (CIH). Data from 14 microsatellite loci were used to conduct Structure and principal components analyses to evaluate diversity across populations and screen for hybridization with sympatric Spotted Bass (M. punctulatus). We also tested for morphological differences using five morphometric traits and one meristic trait. We found support for three genetic clusters corresponding to previously described taxonomic variation; five clusters largely corresponding to river systems; and nine clusters representing hierarchical population structure within both ranges. We found evidence of a unique genetic cluster in tributaries of the White River within the Northern Smallmouth Bass range and admixture between the subspecies throughout the Neosho range. We also found evidence of morphological differentiation between subspecies; Neosho Smallmouth Bass exhibited larger head length than Northern Smallmouth Bass relative to total length, and there was a significant interaction of subspecies and orbital length, possibly indicating differential growth patterns between subspecies. Our results reveal multiple levels of divergence, suggesting the CIH harbors greater and more complex Smallmouth Bass diversity than previously thought.
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All metadata and raw data used in this study are available on Zenodo (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3937432).
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24 August 2020
In the original publication of the article, Table 2 was published incorrectly. The correct Table 2 is given in this Correction.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the students, faculty, and staff at the University of Missouri, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Arkansas Tech University who helped with sample collection. In particular, R. Horton of the Missouri Department of Conservation, J. Quinn of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and C. Gagen at Arkansas Tech University, were essential for support, organization and sample collection. We thank K. Budd, J.J. Burkhart, M. Harris, K. Storey, and C. Titus for their assistance with data interpretation. Undergraduate researcher K. Sulkowski provided invaluable help with sample collection and DNA extraction. The Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is a joint collaboration among U.S. Geological Survey, Oklahoma State University, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Wildlife Management Institute, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. This project was supported financially by the Missouri Department of Conservation and conducted under the University of Missouri Animal Care and Use Permit #8826.
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Study conception and design were completed by JCG, LSE, LKB, and JK. Sample collection was conducted by JCG, LKB, JK, ATT, SB, and JML. Laboratory genetic work was conducted by JCG and LSE. All authors contributed to statistical analysis and manuscript preparation.
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Gunn, J.C., Berkman, L.K., Koppelman, J. et al. Complex patterns of genetic and morphological differentiation in the Smallmouth Bass subspecies (Micropterus dolomieu dolomieu and M. d. velox) of the Central Interior Highlands. Conserv Genet 21, 891–904 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-020-01295-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-020-01295-1